Military Radar Classification Guide: Functional Types, Signal Formats, and Key Technologies

Military radar systems are indispensable core equipment in modern defense architectures, undertaking critical tasks such as target detection, tracking, identification, and guidance. This article systematically analyzes the classification framework of military radars from three dimensions—functional roles, signal types, and technical characteristics—to help readers gain a comprehensive understanding of their technological principles and application scenarios.

I. Functional Classification: Search Radar and Tracking Radar Systems

1. Search Radar

Search radar is primarily used for large-area aerial target detection and early warning, serving as the “first line of defense” in air defense systems. Its key performance metrics include:

  • Ultra-long detection range
  • Wide-area coverage capability
    Typical applications include aerial surveillance, coastal monitoring, and border protection.
2. Tracking Radar

Tracking radar focuses on continuous, high-precision tracking of specific targets, providing real-time target data for weapon systems. Common applications include:

  • Fire-control radar
  • Missile guidance radar
  • Space tracking and control radar
    This type of radar emphasizes high data rates, precision, and strong anti-jamming capabilities.

II. Signal Format Classification: Pulse, Continuous Wave, and Pulse Compression Radar

1. Pulse Radar

As the most mainstream radar system, pulse radar detects targets by transmitting short high-frequency pulses and receiving echoes. Its operational modes include fixed repetition frequency and staggered repetition frequency.

2. Continuous Wave Radar

Continuous wave radar emits continuous sinusoidal signals, primarily used for measuring target velocity. When range measurement is also required, modulation techniques such as Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) are employed.

3. Pulse Compression Radar

This system transmits wide pulses and compresses the signal at the receiver end, achieving both high range resolution and long detection range. Key techniques include:

  • Linear Frequency Modulation (Chirp) pulse compression
  • Phase-coded pulse compression
    This technology effectively resolves the conflict between resolution and detection range inherent in traditional pulse radars.
Other Important Radar Types
  • Pulse-Doppler Radar
  • Noise Radar
  • Frequency-Agile Radar

III. Multi-Dimensional Classification Perspectives: A Holistic View of Military Radar Systems

1. By Platform Type
  • Ground-Based Radar
  • Airborne Radar
  • Shipborne Radar
  • Space-Based Radar
2. By Angle Tracking Method
  • Monopulse Radar
  • Conical Scan Radar
  • Low-Sidelobe Conical Scan Radar
3. By Measurement Parameters
  • Height-Finding Radar
  • 2D Radar
  • 3D Radar
  • Velocity-Measuring Radar
  • Target Identification Radar
4. By Signal Processing Method
  • Diversity Radar (Frequency/Polarization Diversity)
  • Coherent/Non-Coherent Integration Radar
  • Moving Target Indication (MTI) Radar
  • Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)
5. By Antenna Scanning Method
  • Mechanically Scanned Radar
  • Phased Array Radar
  • Frequency-Scanned Radar

Through the above systematic classification, one can comprehensively grasp the technical features and application scenarios of military radars. In actual combat and equipment selection, the most suitable radar system must be chosen based on mission requirements, environmental characteristics, and performance metrics.

Keywords: Military Radar Classification, Search Radar, Tracking Radar, Pulse Radar, Continuous Wave Radar, Pulse Compression Radar, Phased Array Radar, Radar Technology

Further Reading

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